M^r John Ross
Dear Sir—

You will probably think that I have been very Neglectful1 in not writing to you oftener, And the only Apology that I Can offer is, that I have been engaged in the most troublesome affair that ever I undertook And had I expected that I Should have had half the trouble to Encounter with, the Cutter¹ might have Remained years in Bilboa, before I would have taken the Management of her, but as I engaged with you and M^r. Deane that I would take Charge of her, I am determined that Nothing Shall be wanting on my part—All Our Seamen had left the Cutter before my Arrival at Bilboa, but the New England Seamen going on board to pursue the Tobacco Brig, Occasioned our people to go on board likewise, but as Soon as She Returned to S^t. Anthonys Our people again left the Vessell—I Immediately went up to S^t. Anthonys, and when I went on board, there were a greater [number] of prisonners than of Our Men, and its being an Open port, I Wonder that they did not take the Vessell from our people—After my going on board with Six Men as a Reinforcement, there was Still danger, but thank God, we brought her Safe into Bilboa, and I have had nothing but trouble with Our people ever Since—I have been obliged to Settle with them for their Wages and prize Money, and after all One half have left the Vessell. The Wages and disbursements upon the Cutter Am^ts. to R^s. of Vellon 109284 and the Share of prize Money to the Officers & Crew Amounts to 137750 R^s. of V. Besides their Share of prize Money of the Ship Hope and Cargo (which was brought into this port Since my Arrival) in which they Shared one Third and forty two Volunteers who Shared at the Rate of One half, The Ship Hope N^r. R^s. of V 239..458..24 which Money together with Some More I have been Obliged to take up to discharge the demands against the Cutter—A Letter from the Hon^l. Arthur Lee Esq^r. To Cap^t Conyngham has been of Considerable detriment to Me and has puzzled Me to know how to Act in Regard to the Accounts, it appears very Artfull and Wicked—As well as a Letter he wrote to Corrunna, likewise One Wrote to the Gardoquies,² who he desires to furnish the Cutter with a Credit only for One half of her disbursements and Charges, Or only half he Says belongs to the Congress—I Shall Enclose you a Copy of the Letter to M^r Ligoniere at Corunna and likewise a Copy of the letter to Captain Conyngham—I hope you will employ Your pen with this Gentleman and Send the Copys to M^r. Deane—

The Vessell is very indifferenty Manned, Nevertheless I Shall Set Sail to Morrow for Martinique, to which place I hope you will Write Me And inform Me what Answer you have from Arthur Lee Esq^r—M^r. Beach³ our first Lieuftenant has left Us and will be with you in a few Weeks, he will be a proper person to take Charge of the Cutter that is with you,⁴ if She is not disposed off, I would Recommend that you would Send her to Martinique if She is delivered up to Us—Cap^t Conyngham's unfortunately taking the French Brig,⁵ has been the Occasion of Upwards of Ten Thousand dollars being Stopped in Our friends hands at Corunna, and how the Affair will End I know not—I Shall leave Cap^t. Conynghams Accounts of wages and disbursements upon the Cutter to be forwarded you by Mess^rs. Gardoques—I am Obliged to hurry out of the port as it is possible that an Order may Come against the Cutter, in Consequence of her takeing the French Brig—Cap^t. Conyngham Request me to inform you that there is a ballance due him And in Case any Accident Should happen, that you would take Care that his Wife might Receive it—My Compliments to all friends—And Accept the Same from your friend—& humble Serv^t—